The freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1886-18??, 1887-03-16

Feb. II, 1887.
DEAR SRA telegram informs me that
the Legislature has to-day decided to sub
nit to the consideration of the people, for
ratification or rejection, an Amendment to
the Constitution of our State, prohibiting
the manufacture and sale of Intoxicating
liquors, to be used as beverage. 1t is not
necessary that should urge upon friend
of this measure, the Importance ofcarrying
this Amendment by large majority of the
voters of our people, now that il has been
submitted. Its rejection would only call
for further efforts and renewed exertions
by the friends OF Prohibition. Like the de-
feat of the Union army at Bull Run, it
would not end, but only prolong the war.
So great a curse is the Liquor Traffic, so
ruinous to individuals and families, so cor
rupting to society, in ALI its moral aspects,
so injurious to our M sterial progress, and
by its hold on our political life, corrupting
it at the very fountain, the ballot. menacing
more than anything has ever done the very
existence of our free institutions of govern
ment; the lover OF these institutions, pur-
so great cost OF blood and treasure, the
lover of our Christian civilization, the phi
lanthropist and patriot, cannot think for a
moment of abandoning the contest with
this traf1ic, until it shall have been banished
from existence.
But in all moral contests it is the enlight-
ened and advanced among the people, who
have to constitute themselves leaders; and
nm han ha NJ a1n In
the people up to correct views Of the mat
ter in hand.
This is to be accom- plished chiefly by the
press, and in the canvass for carrying the
proposed Amendment to the Constitution
of our State, an organ in support OF that
policy, will be seen to be an indispensable
necessity; and II will devolve on the friends
OF the Amendment, and.partieularly upon
the leaders and active workers amongst
these to provide for not only the existence
but the efficiency of such an organ.
Happily we find in the FREEMAN, paper
that can be easily made to meet every re-
quirement. 1t is only necessary that we
rally to its support and at once put 1t on q
substantial basis; and, in doing this, SOW it
broadcast over our State.
There can certainly be twenty men ana
women found in each ef fifty counties of
our State who will be willing to pay for
Eve copies each, and direct to whom they
shall be sent. This Of itself would increase
the list of It's subscribers by 5000; a number
SUFFICIENT not only to insure the existence
Of the paper but also TO secure to its manage
ment all the aid necessary to give 1t the
highest degree of ability and efficiency.
At the late con ference of the Third or Pro-
hibition party, it was unanimously agreed
that that party would cooperate hesr-: .Iiy
with all Tenn perance men, without regard to
party affiliations, IN the effort to carry this
Amendment, II It should be submitted.
The undersigned also at that conference
made himself responsible for q personal
appeal to all the leading representative
men OF the State, of whom he could obtain
n knowledge, who are known, or believed
TO be the friends of the Amendment, for
aid in meeting the above named necessity.
He would respectfully, but earnestly, urge
upon every man and woman into whose
hands this appeal may come, to contribute
at once, according to his or her ability, as
above suggested, by subscribing for ten, five,
or even three or two copies, and directing
to whom they shall be sent.
Let us act without delay. What is done
to-day, is done. That which is put on I'M
til tomorrow may be forgotten, or neglect
ed. If, for financial or other reasons, you
cannot contribute to this end, can you not
secure such help from some one near your
Very respectfully and fraternally,
Yours for the Cause,
II. M. HARRIS.